Journeyman: Double Down

ORIGINAL EPISODES, MONDAYS @ 10PM ON NBC

This was probably the best episode of the season for "Journeyman." It was intense, exciting, interesting and more importantly we learned about the character's pasts. I always find televisions shows and especially drama's significantly better when the story line's are emotionally charged. Tonight was certainly that and more. As Dan travelled back in time to save the life of a key government witness from a gang, he ended up becoming part of the problem too. The gang found his press pass and decided to eliminate Dan as well. Except if they eliminated his past self or changed to much of the past events his entire future could be gone, possibly even his own life. So Dan also became the life he had to change when he went back.

This scenario gave the episode interesting twist; not only did we have the usual stuff but we had the chance to see what Dan was like after Livia died and how he and Katie got together. It was pretty innocent if you ask me, Dan nor Katie did anything out of the ordinary that would cause you to think they were out to hurt Jack or screw him over. They simply fell in love. It was nice to get some information on this back story. I've felt a bit lost over the first few episodes, like I was putting faith in a lot of unknowns without any payoff. Thankfully, we started getting some of that payoff. Despite, my questioning of the strength of their marriage I think Katie and Dan could survive just about anything. They've been through hell and made it through so why can't they make it through this?

By the way, it was a very cool scene when Dan was fighting his past self. He almost got his butt kicked by himself which I thought was interesting; but then again his present self ended up knocking out his past self so I guess he did anyway.

As for Livia, it was interesting to watch her confront the reality of Dan being married to Katie. I didn't think we'd ever see her go to the present but it was great. You could really see the pain on her face and at the same time the fact that she knew there would never be anything she could do about it. She still loves Dan and I think she always will but she chose her path (or it chose her, however you may view it) and there's no going back; or is there? I have a feeling this whole trip to the present may be a hint that it's possible Livia may end up encountering the present day Katie at some point. I think this would be amazing and will open up a massive can of worms for Dan. It would certainly stir things up just a bit.

Now, for Jack. Understandably he's a bit cautious when it comes to Dan given everything Dan has done in the past. But turning him in to the FBI? Is he really that petty and cruel? I was shocked that he so willingly gave his brother up because he was hurt that Katie and Dan left them out of their secret. It's extremely immature and traitorous. I'm actually a bit annoyed that we have the government intruding upon the story lines already. These type of issue are usually more annoying than interesting (take for instance the storyline from "House" or "Charmed'). I hope they find some quality way of moving this forward and if it were my choice I'd have them out of the show as fast as possible. In the meantime, Dan needs to find a way to mend fences with his brother before things get worse. He needs allies not enemies. I don't know exactly how he could prove the truth to Jack (he's considerably more skeptical than Katie) but he needs to find a way.

This was a great episode, probably the best of the season so far. I suggest you watch before our shows stop running due the strike. Maybe you'll get hooked and start watching when things start up again. Until next week, enjoy the review!